Budget Lightsaber Build

Times are tough for a lot of people, and everyone has a budget. Some tighter than others.

If you or your child have always wanted a lightsaber, but lacked the funds for a custom build, then this may be your chance! You don't need to buy a Master Replica or Hasbro Force FX saber, I'm about to show you how you can build a lightsaber that looks very cool for around $50 give or take, plus shipping costs for material. Even with shipping, it'll cost you under $75. Oh, and you can duel with it too.

I didn't just come up with this on my own. I was browsing Youtube on saber tutorials and I came across a video that showed how easy it was to make a saber. So easy in fact,  that a 5 year old shows us how to build one (with minor help from his dad) As long as you don't mind that it has no sound, it looks very cool. Perfect for Halloween or cosplay. I've posted the video at the bottom.

Along with a list of material, and build instructions, I'm also going to show you where you can find the parts, all of which is mentioned at the end of the video as well.

You'll need thick walled Polycarbonate tubing, 1" in diameter. Translucent tubing works best as it spreads the light better.

                              

 40" Red, Blue or Green tubes $12.99 

OR

  40" Translucent white tubes (best for colors other than RBG) $12.49

If you go with the white tube, you will need the following:

Assorted 3/4" color disks $5.44

1" Clear Blade tip: $3.50. If you can't find clear ones, you can purchase the white tips and just remove the reflective material from the inside to allow the light to show.

The tubing and tips can be found at The Custom Saber Shop, HERE.
The 3/4" color disks can be purchased on Amazon.

You'll also need a LED mini Flashlight.

The best option for this build is the Ultrafire Cree 7W 300LM Mini LED because:

1. It is 1" in diameter, so it will match the blade diameter.
2. The switch is on the bottom, so the flashlight can be encased in a holder and still be powered on.
3. It has an adjustable light zoom, so you can adjust the setting to best illuminate the blade.
4. It is super bright.
5. It's cheap. $6.38 on Amazon

For the handle/grip, you can get yourself a 1" diameter motorcycle/bike grip, but IT MUST HAVE a rubber or open ended/unscrewable tip. This will be the priciest part of the build. I would look to find something within the $20 or less range. You can find a wide selection of options on eBay.

Last but not least, you'll need some masking tape.


TIME TO BUILD!!!!

Color Blade Build:

1. Line up the flashlight and tube. Secure together with masking tape. Cut the bottom end of the motorcycle/bike handle/grip and slide the flashlight & blade through it. It will be a tight fit, so you may need to moisten the handle with a bit of soap and water or lotion. 
2. Install blade tip. 

Translucent White Blade Build:

1. Unscrew top of flashlight, place color disk of your choice inside & screw top back on. You do not need to remove the clear flashlight lense.
2. Line up the flashlight and tube. Secure together with masking tape. Cut the bottom end of the motorcycle/bike handle/grip and slide the flashlight & blade through it. It will be a tight fit, so you may need to moisten the handle with a bit of soap and water or lotion. 
3. Install blade tip. 

Here is a video of what it will look like. Note: They use thin walled tubing for the video, which is great for looks, but not so much for dueling. Thick walled takes more of a beating.

Looks cool, right?

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